Ministry of Tribal Affairs
Tribal fashion curated by Rina Dhaka and Ruma Devi highlighted at the Tribes India Aadi Mahotsav
Baigi parondha nritya from Madhya Pradesh, Kharsawan Chhau from Jharkhand; Sambalpuri nritya from Odisha; and Jaunsari nritya from Uttarakhand enthral visitors
Crowds have been visiting the Aadi Mahotsav on at Dilli Haat to get a peek into the rich tribal culture of our country. A major attraction of the Tribes India Aadi Mahotsav has been the cultural programmes, which showcase the diversity and variety of Indian tribes.
This was a highlight especially on Day 6 of the Aadi Mahotsav, where the crowds got to enjoy spectacular cultural programmes in the evening.
One striking aspect of the evening’s programme was a spectacular tribal fashion show that featured designs and clothes handcrafted by tribal master craftsmen and curated by the famous tribal artisan Ms. Ruma Devi and the renowned fashion designer Ms. Rina Dhaka. The resplendent weaves and fabrics came to life in the crafted designs that reflect the close connection tribals have with nature.
The show featured beautiful tribal weaves from various parts of the country –sarees, kurtis, tops, shawls, stoles and exquisite accessories like jewellery from the North-east or dhokra jewellery and bags such as Banjara bags.
“The Aadi Mahotsav showcases traditional art and handicrafts and the rich, diverse cultural heritage of our tribes. Their close connection with nature and simplicity can be seen in their weaves, clothes, fabrics, and art forms. I am happy that TRIFED is doing its best to help in popularising tribal culture to the larger audiences.” Shri Pravir Krishna, Managing Director, TRIFED said during the occasion.
The Aadi Mahotsav was also visited on Saturday by senior officials such as Shri Deepak Khandekar, Secretary, Department of Personnel and Training; Shri R.P. Gupta, Secretary, Ministry of Environment and Forest and Climate Change; Shri Ajay Tirki, Secretary Ministry of Rural Development; Ms. Richa Sharma, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Environment and Forest and Climate Change; Ms Manju Pandey, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Environment and Forest & Climate Change; Ms. Neerja Adidam, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, Shri Sudhanshu Pandey, Secretary, Department of Food & Public Distribution, Shri P K Tripathi, Secretary, Ministry of Steel, and Ms. Leena Nandan, Secretary, Ministry of Consumer Affairs among other dignitaries.
Earlier in the day, representatives of the IAS Officers’ wives welfare association and some other members of the same association had also visited the festival.
Other scintillating art forms on display during cultural performances on Saturday evening included Baigi parondha nritya from Madhya Pradesh, Kharsawan Chhau from Jharkhand; Sambalpuri nritya from Odisha; and Jaunsari nritya from Uttarakhand.
One can also enjoy ethnic shopping of beautiful tribal handicrafts and products from jewellery to clothes and organic natural produce; tribal artistic forms and tribal cuisine at the Aadi Mahotsav.
The Aadi Mahotsav- A Celebration of the Spirit of Tribal Crafts, Culture and Commerce is on at Dilli Haat, INA, New Delhi till the 15th February, 2020 from 11 am to 9 pm.
Visit Aadi Mahotsav and further the “Vocal for Local” movement! #BuyTribal
The Aadi Mahotsav is an annual event that was started in 2017. The festival is an attempt to familiarise people with the rich and diverse craft, culture of tribal communities across the country, at one place. However, due to the pandemic, the 2020 edition of the festival could not be held.
The fortnight-long festival features the exhibition-cum-sale of tribal handicrafts, art, paintings, fabric, jewellery and much more through 200 stalls to showcase this. About 1000 tribal artisans and artists from across the country are participating in the festival.
Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India  under the M/o Tribal Affairs, as the nodal agency working towards tribal empowerment, has been putting in place several initiatives that help in improving the income and livelihood of the tribal people, while preserving their way of life and tradition. The Aadi Mahotsav is one such initiative that helps enable the economic welfare of these communities and bring them closer towards mainstream development.